L-Theanine therapeutic for anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD

June 17, 2026

Last updated: June 21, 2026

The amino acid found in green tea exerts broadly protective effects in the brain:

Pro-dopamine - motivation

GABAnergic - relaxation

Increases BDNF - brain cell growth + differentiation

NMDA/AMPA antagonist - anti-excitatory

Stimulates alpha brain waves - relaxed alertness